Ruby Blue (album)
Ruby Blue is the debut studio album by British electronic music duo Róisín Murphy and Mark Brydon, under the name Moloko. It was released on June 14, 2005, by Echo Records. Departing significantly from the more dance-oriented sound of their previous albums, Ruby Blue explores a diverse range of genres including jazz, experimental pop, and art rock.
The album's conception began during the recording sessions for Moloko's previous record, Statues (2003). Brydon provided Murphy with instrumental tracks, encouraging her to experiment with vocal melodies and lyrical themes outside of their typical collaborative process. This newfound freedom and experimentation ultimately led to the creation of a distinct body of work that differed markedly from Moloko's earlier output.
Ruby Blue was well-received by critics, who praised its innovative sound, Murphy's vocal performance, and the album's overall artistic vision. Despite the critical acclaim, the album achieved moderate commercial success, reaching the top 30 in the UK Albums Chart. Singles released from the album include "If We're in Love," "Sow into You," and "Forever More."